Spartanburg park reopens after coyote threat

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — Spartanburg County officials are preparing to reopen a park that was closed last week because of concerns about coyotes.

Officials say a trapper captured three of the animals near the Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park in Boiling Springs.

The park is to reopen Thursday.

Trapper Chris Bocchino says the coyotes are going after rabbits and mice across the county. Bocchino says coyotes are opportunistic eaters who migrate to seasonal food sources.

Parks system spokeswoman Marcia Murff says the county will try to reduce brush around the park where the small animals live that coyotes eat.

State wildlife officials say attacks on people by coyotes are rare.